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Danny Masterson’s lawyer warned on Monday that TV adverts within the race for Los Angeles mayor might inflame hostility towards the Church of Scientology, making it more durable for Masterson to obtain a good trial.
Masterson, the previous “That ’70s Present” star, is scheduled to go on trial subsequent week on three prices of forcible rape. Masterson is a member of the Church of Scientology, and the church and its processes are prone to determine within the trial.
The church has additionally turn out to be a difficulty within the mayor’s race. Final week, Rick Caruso started operating an advert attacking Karen Bass for praising Scientology throughout a speech in 2010. The advert features a quote referring to the church as a “ruthless international rip-off.” Bass responded by saying that she “completely condemn(s) their practices.”
“The general public is being inundated with this,” mentioned Masterson’s lawyer, Philip Cohen, at a courtroom listening to on Monday. “It’s a vital drawback for Mr. Masterson.”
Cohen requested Decide Charlaine Olmedo to contemplate delaying the trial till after the mayoral election, which can be held on Nov. 8.
“It’s simply horrible timing for the protection,” he mentioned, saying that the adverts are “inflammatory.”
He additionally urged Olmedo to restrict any point out of Scientology through the trial. “The phrase ‘Scientology’ by no means wants to return up,” Cohen mentioned. “If one thing wants to return up, it may be referred to as ‘the church,’ ‘the group,’ ‘a membership.’”
Reinhold Mueller, the lead prosecutor, argued that any potential prejudice might be addressed throughout questioning of potential jurors.
The prosecution desires to name Claire Headley, a distinguished former church member, to testify as an knowledgeable in regards to the church’s hierarchy and practices. The protection argued Monday that Headley has talked about her “escape” from the church, and serving to others escape, and that she could be biased.
Karen Goldstein, who additionally represents Masterson, argued that the testimony would flip the case “right into a referendum on Scientology.”
Masterson’s accusers have filed a civil go well with in opposition to the church, arguing that they had been focused for stalking and harassment within the wake of going to the police. That case is now earlier than the U.S. Supreme Court docket, after a California appeals courtroom dominated that the church couldn’t implement an settlement forcing the accusers to submit to non secular arbitration.
Scientology can even determine within the civil trial involving director Paul Haggis, which can be set to start subsequent week in New York. Haggis, a former church member, argues that the church could have orchestrated the rape allegation as a type of retaliation in opposition to him. Each the church and Haggis’ accuser, Haleigh Breest, have adamantly denied any connection.
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